All You Need To Know About Solitaire Engagement Rings

A solitaire engagement ring [a ring with a single diamond in the centre of the band] is the most classic setting style of all. It is a great setting for showing off the beauty of a centre stone with no interruption from side stones or a halo (diamonds circling around a centre stone). While choosing an engagement ring can often steer you towards a more classic setting like this, there are ways to add some personality to a solitaire ring.

Are solitaire rings more expensive?

While there’s nothing to say a solitaire ring must be more expensive, the centre stone being the focal point of the ring might prompt you to choose a larger, or more eye-catching cut or placement. If you’re edging toward a solitaire engagement ring and have your heart set on a large carat weight but are working with a modest budget, choosing a lab grown diamond , or even moissanite, engagement ring means getting the ring you want at an affordable cost.

How to add personality to a solitaire diamond ring?

While it is a classic look, there’s nothing to stop you from spicing up a solitaire ring. Those who like a glamorous look for their jewellery can opt for a pavé diamond band (diamonds around the band of the ring). Our Alex Triple Pavé Solitaire Ring perfectly demonstrates how to amp up the look of the classic setting. Similarly if you think this diamond on diamond look is overwhelming, a wonderful way to pay homage to the quiet luxury look is with a bezel set centre stone, like our Gemma Bezel Set Oval Solitaire Engagement Ring where the edges of the centre stone are overlapped by your chosen metal. For the best of both of these different looks, opt for a diamond pavé wedding band which will add to the beauty of the solitaire engagement ring without taking from the simplicity. It is possible to experiment with your engagement ring band other than adding or removing stones. Our cigar band (a thicker, straight edge band) is perfect for those who gravitate towards bolder, statement jewellery pieces. The Vicki Asscher Solitaire Ring with a cigar band is regal and robust.

To really experiment with something different, ‘east to west’ positioning of centre stones creates a unique look while still adhering to the elegance of a solitaire engagement ring. The centre stone (taking an emerald cut as an example) usually sits north to south, with the long sides of the stone pointing up your finger. The concept of the ‘east to west’ ring is that this stone would be turned on it’s side, with the long edges of the stone going across the finger. Not only does this style add personality to your ring, it’s a great way to create the illusion of a bigger ring as it looks as though it covers more surface area of your finger.

What centre stone cut is best for a solitaire ring?

While the beauty of a solitaire ring is that any cut will be shown in its best light, it does give an opportunity to go for even the most unlikely of cuts for an engagement ring. The most popular cut is a round-cut centre stone. It’s not surprising that the most classic cut and setting are the most popular combination when you see them paired together in our Louise Round Solitaire Ring. Other classic cuts pair beautifully as a solitaire engagement ring, such as oval, emerald and pear cut stones.

If you wish for your engagement ring to be like nothing you’ve seen before, opting for a unique cut, such as an elongated hexagon, is a great way to use the simplicity of a solitaire setting to amplify the beauty of your stone, but also make it wearable through the years. Our step-cut Delta Elongated Hexagon Ring is a must-try for unique jewellery lovers.

A slightly more classic but still unique cut, the Marquise, is another great option. Remember a solitaire engagement ring is simply a ring with one centre stone – which gives many other elements to play with. Our Angie Marquise East to West Bezel Solitaire is punchy but still has that classic aesthetic which engagement rings ought to have.

While the solitaire setting is a classic for engagement rings, it’s important to inject your personality in this piece that you’ll wear for years to come. To discuss customisation, and the rest of our setting styles, get in touch for an appointment here .